I’m having a hard time explaining Matthew 7:12 (the golden rule) in simple syntax for my children to understand. Since they don’t get the complex sentence structure, separating the ideas is important. But when I separate the two concepts (“treat others kindly” “how you like to be treated”), the relationship seems to be lost.
Archives for March 2007
Whisper Update
On Friday night, Lee got a business call while we were out driving. Aha! An opportunity to test Bethel’s whispering progress! She imediately and happily imitated my “shhh” so I bravely asked her a question in a whisper and waited eagerly for her response.
She hasn’t learned it yet. Several times I tried to get a whisper response, and each time, she imitated my “shhh” and then spoke in her normal speaking voice. I’ve actually gotten her to whisper a few times, so I know she can do it. I just don’t think that she understands quiet=whisper.
We’ll try again this week.
We Need Each Other
When you think about or pray for the soldiers who are in Iraq and Afghanistan, don’t forget to pray for the wives and children of those soldiers.
Being a military wife means that a young mother is very likely away from parents, away from friends (you have to find new ones every three years or so), and often away from husband (who may be gone for weeks or months at a time). It can be a lonely place, especially when a baby isn’t sleeping well, a child is having behavioral problems at school, or mom herself needs medical care for some reason. If you know a military wife whose husband is deployed, give her a call. If you are a military wife whose husband is deployed, find someone who needs a call more than you.
It’s easy to be consumed with our own troubles and schedules that we forget that there are those around us all who need an encouraging word. If I’m waiting for my house to be clean before I can invite another young mother over, I may never minister to any one. If I’m too busy keeping my own ducks in a row to see the needs around me, I may miss seeing the opportunity God put in front of me. Perhaps I could let a few ducks stray. If I’m petulantly wondering where the women are to mentor me, perhaps I’m missing the opportunity to seek out someone to mentor.
What I’m realizing is that, even though I see it as me helping others, if I’m honest, I’ll realize that I am helped too. If I’m humble, I’ll realize that I need to be encouraged and helped by the very people I’m trying to encourage and help. We need each other.
Verses I’ve been thinking about:
- Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
- Romans 14:9 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.
Update: First Music Class
This morning went well. Laurel slept through it all. Bethel jumped and played with the other children. David watched. Reminder to self: watching is good. Remember not to comment on this as though it were newsworthy.
I managed to finish cleaning the house with a little help from the Sesame Street website (yes, I occasionally use the computer as a babysitter). I did have to pull out the ladder to change a smoke alarm that started beeping; we have very high ceilings. (I have developed an inexplicable fear of heights in my old[er] age, so I usually let Lee do this job.) And I started feeling a bit lightheaded since I hadn’t had breakfast (or maybe I should start taking vitamins again). I felt better after eating a chicken sandwich. I also decided it was okay if the laundry wasn’t done, or my floors weren’t mopped, and then I felt better. Reminder to self: Eat breakfast, take vitamins, remember it’s okay not to be perfect.
A good time was had by all. Children cried when it was over (a good sign). After the last mother left, I realized that I didn’t know most of their names. Reminder to self: make name tags for moms.
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